Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 730, Richard Douglass, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Douglass, Richard or Douglas.
W. 730.
{ B.L.W. 536 - 300 Capt. Issued Jan. 28, 1790 No papers.
Lucy.
CONTENTS

2,224
Connecticut
Lucy Douglass.
widow of Richard Douglass.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Captain
Conn Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
480 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of October 1853 and sent to
Hiram Willey New London CT.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 58, Vol. A.
224087

State of Connecticut County & Probate District of New London ss.
On this Eighth day of August AD 1853 personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for the District of New London in said State Mrs Lucy Douglass a Resident of New London in said New London County and State of said aged Seventy nine years who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of February 1853. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; That she is the widow of Captain Richard Douglass of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment of the Revolutionary Army, who served during the entire war of the Revolution, as will appear by the Records of the War Department (see accompanying letters of Peter Hagner dated 19 April 1836. and of J. L. Edwards dated Feb. 26. 1846) and by his Commissions now in possession of the Affiant. Viz. His Commission as Ensign dated the 20 th June 1776. His Commission as Lieutenant dated the 1 st of January 1777 to the 1 st of March 1779 . His Commission as Captain dated 22 nd of August 1780.
She further declares she was married to the said Richard Douglass on the Second day of September AD 1804 and that her said Husband died on the 1 st of March 1816. that she was not married to him prior to the Second of January 1800, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow
(Interlineation & erasure in the 9 th line above made before signing) Josephus K. Merriam (Clerk.)
Lucy Douglass

State of Connecticut } Probate District of New London } J P
On this Eighth day of August AD 1853 before the Court of Probate for the District of New London personally came Mrs Lucy Douglass to said Court well known, subscribe to the foregoing Declaration and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the day and year above written.
Josephus R. Merriam Clerk.
State of Connecticut } Probate District of New London } J P. I Philip Morgan Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of New London do Certify that Josephus R Merriam whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is Clerk of said Court of Probate for the District of New London that said Certificate is in due form subscribed in the hand writing of said Josephus R Merriam and sealed with the seal of said Court witness my hand this 8 th day of August AD 1853
Philip Morgan Judge

I Henry Douglass of the Town and County of New-London and State of Connecticut do depose and say that I am Town Clerk of the Town of New-London and keeper of the public records of Marriages in said Town, that I have examined the public records of Marriages and find the following record in the words and figures following to wit.
"Richard Douglass 2 d & Lucy Palmer } Relict of Samuel Palmer & daughter } 1804 of John May was married Sep r 2 nd . } ,,"
I do further depose and say that I was acquainted with Mrs Lucy Douglass then Lucy Palmer widow of Samuel Palmer before her marriage to said Richard Douglass 2 d and know her to be the same person as the person who has signed the foregoing declaration. I was acquainted with her late husband Richard Douglass 2 d who was reputed to have been a Captain in the war of the revolution. I know that said Captain Richard Douglass 2 d died about the year 1816 and I further depose and say that I have ever since known the said Lucy Douglass and know that she remains his widow. I further depose that my age is Seventy two years.
Henry Douglass Town Clerk

State of Connecticut Probate District of New London } ss. On this Eighth day of August A.D. 1853 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of New London Henry Douglass, signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. And I do further Certify that Henry Douglass, Subscriber to the foregoing deposition is the Town Clerk for said Town of New London duly appointed and sworn. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate the day And year above written Joseph H. Merriam Clerk.

To the Honourable the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled.
THE undersigned, aged and infirm, the widow of an officer of the Revolutionary Army, humbly petitions your honourable body to extend relief to the remaining widows of the officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution.
Your petitioner was married to her deceased husband Richard Douglas, Esq. captain of the fifth Connecticut Regiment, on the 2d day of September, 1804. He died March 1st, 1816, leaving your petitioner poor, with three small children. It has pleased Heaven to spare their lives, and by the assistance of Divine Providence, she has been enabled to rear her children to be respectable members of the community.
The husband of your petitioner was a member of Captain William Coit's volunteer company of New London, Connecticut, which proceeded to Boston immediately after the outbreak at Lexington, in April 1775. He had the honour to be one of the ten privates named in the following order to proceed to Charlestown the day previous to the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, which extract is taken from the original minute book of the company, now in the possession of your petitioner, viz.
GENERAL ORDERS, 17th June, 1775.
Parole—Deerfield.
Countersign—Conway.
Field-officer of the day to-morrow—Gerrish.
Field-officer of the picquet—Nightwood.
Field-officer of the main guard to-morrow—Fibergin.
REGIMENTAL ORDER, 17th June, 1775.
Captain Coit and ten privates must parade on the grand parade, 6 o'clock this afternoon, equip't with two days provisions ready dressed, and blankets, in order to march to the relief of the Connecticut troops at Charlestown. Per order General Putnam.
DANIEL TYLER, Adjutant.
He was in that battle, and served through the entire war, was in General Lee's regiment at the memorable retreat through New Jersey in the winter of 1779 and 80: was in the battles of Monmouth, Princeton, Trenton and Germantown, wintered with the main army at Valley Forge, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at York Town on the 19th of October, 1781. His commission as ensign bears date the 20th of June, 1776, that of lieutenant the 16th of March, 1779, and of captain in the fifth Connecticut regiment the 21st day of August, 1780. In 1781 his company was drafted into the light infantry, and with other companies formed a regiment under the immediate command of the Marquis De La Fayette; and the history of your petitioner's husband is that of the main army from the battle of Bunker Hill to the surrender of Cornwallis.
Congress in its wisdom has extended relief to all widows who were married previous to 1798; there cannot be many now living not embraced in that act; but there are a few left who were married subsequent to that period, a great proportion of whom without doubt are in circumstances more needy than your petitioner; and she would not ask that relief for her isolated case, which could not with propriety be extended to others, although she has claims which in the opinion of many justly entitle her to relief. She has heard her husband often speak of his right to a pension for life, for a wound received in the groin; but as often as he spoke of his wound, he has said his pride was such, he never would apply for the pension, as the kindness of Washington had placed him in a situation free from want.
He was appointed under General Washington's administration post master at New London, Connecticut, 30th December, 1797, which office he held until his decease in 1816. It afforded him a support; it was all he wanted. A descendant of the Plymouth pilgrims, he had assisted in the achievement of his country's independence, he had provided a home for his children, a land of liberty; his country was poor—his pride would not permit him to ask for the pension he was entitled to: and now after a lapse of near two-thirds of a century, his widow, who saw her father's house and store in flames by the infamous Arnold in 1781, lives to petition that the relief extended by your honourable bodies to others may be extended to herself, and the few remaining widows now living.
LUCY DOUGLAS,
Of New London, Connecticut, now of Philadelphia, widow of Captain Richard Douglas, of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Army.
March 6, 1840.

L. P. Waldo Esq. New York 19 th Augst 1853 Commissioner of Pensions to Col. July 25 Washington City DC
Dear Sir,
I duly received your letter of 26 th July, for which please accept my thanks. The papers of my Mother Mrs Lucy Douglas (widow of Capt. Richard Douglas of the fifth Connecticut Regiment of the Revolutionary Army) who is an applicant for a pension under the act of 3 rd Feb 1853, were prepared by H. Willey Esq. of New London Conn. My brother Alfred writes me from New London, that he intended to add to the papers an affidavit from Ebenezer Learned Esq & Jonathan Cook Esq aged & highly respectable Citizens of New London and personal friends of my late Father, also a letter from Mr Fosdick of N. L. to yourself, but on calling at the Willey's Office he found he had forwarded the papers to your Office.
As there is a pension agency in N. York City my Mother would prefer the pension to be paid here, if not. Hartford Conn. will answer as well. I enclose my Mother's Memorial, which can be attached to the papers if requisite. Please when the pension Certificate is issued, enclose it to my Mother, either to the care of H. Willey Esq. New London Conn. or to myself. Yours Very Resp. Earl Douglas

October 27, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Scott Morgan Douglas 30 North LaSalle Street Room 1325 Chicago, Illinois
BA-J/ady Am Richard Douglass W.730
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Richard Douglas, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.730, based upon his military service in that war.
Richard Douglass, the name is also shown as Richard Douglas, 2 nd , was a descendant of the Plymouth Pilgrims. The date and place of his birth and the names of his parents are not stated.
He belonged to Captain William Coit's Volunteer Company of New London, Connecticut, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill. On June 20, 1776 he was commissioned ensign; on January 1, 1777 he was commissioned Lieutenant in the First Connecticut Regiment, later commanded by Colonel Josiah Starr; on August 22, 1780 he was commissioned Captain in the Fifth Connecticut Regiment, later commanded by Colonel Isaac Sherman. In 1781 his company was drafted into the Light Infantry which formed part of a regiment under the immediate command of Marquis de Lafayette. He was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Germantown and Monmouth, wintered at Valley Forge, and was in the battle of Yorktown and at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and served to the end of the war in 1783. He was wounded in the groin. It is not stated in which engagement he received said wound.
Soldier married September 2, 1804, Mrs. Lucy Palmes of New London, Connecticut. Their marriage was recorded on the records of the First Congregational Church of New London, Connecticut. She was the widow of Samuel Palmes and the daughter of John Way, the name of her mother is not given.
Her father's house and store were burned by Arnold in 1781.

Richard Douglass was appointed postmaster at New London, Connecticut, on December 30, 1797, under General Washington's administration, which office he held until his death March 1, 1816.
Soldier's widow, Lucy Douglass, was a resident of Philadelphia, in 1840. In July 1853 she was living with her son Earl Douglas, his age not stated, in New York, New York County, New York. He was formerly of New London, Connecticut, and in 1836 was a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Soldier's widow, Lucy Douglass, was allowed pension on her application executed August 8, 1853 at which time she was aged seventy-nine years and a resident of New London, New London County, Connecticut.
Three small children survived the soldier, all living in 1840. In 1853, Alfred, the brother of the above named Earl Douglas, was living in New London, his age not stated. No other names of children are shown.
In 1853 one Henry Douglass, aged seventy-two years, was town clerk of New London, Connecticut, no relationship to the soldier stated. There are no further family data.
Soldier's widow, Lucy Douglass, died March 28, 1858, place not stated. An 9/73.
This is the record of the only Richard Douglass, all spellings of the surname searched, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Chicago, Ill., Oct. 16, 1934.
Bureau of Pensioners, Revolutionary War service, Veterans Administration Bldg., Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Would you kindly inform me if my ancestor -
Richard Douglas, b. in New London, Ct. Aug. 19, 1746  d.     "     "     Jan. 9, 1828
received a pension for his service. He served as Captain and was in almost entire service of the Revolution.
Thanking you kindly for an early reply, I am,
Gratefully yours,
Scott Morgan Douglas,
Scott Morgan Douglas, Room 1325, #30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, ILL.

Chicago, Ill., October 16, 1934.
Veterans Administration Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War Section -
Gentlemen:-
Rather a perplexing question arises between two RICHARD DOUGLASES who appear to be born about same time, but the one I am interested in the following:
Richard Douglas born in New London, Conn. on Aug. 19, 1746 died " " " Jan. 9, 1828
He served in New London, Ct. and was Captain. What I would like to know if - if the Capt. Richard Douglas died in 1828, as the same service appears to have been claimed by a Richard Douglas, d. 1816. Hope your records may show this. Also what service do you have for the Richard Douglas 1746-1828?
Thanking you for such information as may be shown of record,
Very truly yours,
Scott Morgan Douglas, Room 1325, #30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Ill.

Proof
1934 Oct. 27. Hist. to Scott Morgan Douglas. A.D. 7.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 730
Lucy Douglass
Widow
Richard Douglass
Capt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index:—Vol. A , Page 187
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office, August 23/53
Sir,
Please certify the termination of the service (as captain) of within named officer soldier in the revolutionary war as nearly as practicable, if the same can be deduced from the settlement of his accounts. He was, it ap- pears, commissioned as cap- tain 23 d August 1780.
Very respectfully Your Ob't Servt
J. W. Wals
Commissioner
J. Burt Leigh }
3 d Auditor }
Parent }

Ms 1446 Lucy Douglas widow of Richard Connecticut
Let to Re Douglas Hiram Willey July 21 1833 To Samuel Aug 29/53 (Rh)
Let Lehman 31 1833

July 21. 1853.
Lucy Douglas, widow of Richard Douglas Captain. Infantry
New London Co
Connecticut
Original Case
Revolutionary
Act 3 d February 1853
M married in 1804
Husband died 1816
Don d . $180 per annum
Commencing 3 d Feb. 1853
Miriam Willey Esq
New London
Connecticut
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business.

New York 18 July 1853
Simon P. Waldo Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
I wish to obtain a pension for my Mother Mrs. Lucy Douglas of New London County, widow of Capt. Richard Douglas of the 5 th Connecticut Regiment of the Revolutionary Army. My Mother resides with me but is now on a visit to New London. I have in my possession the Certificate of her marriage with my Father (there are many living witnesses residing in New London) My Father's Commission as Ensign, Lieutenant & Captain & various letters from the Department, showing that his name is on the books; (Copy of one from Mr. Edwards I herewith enclose). I should have written to you before this, but understood from Mrs. Peabody of New London, widow of Genl. Peabody, that you was expected to make New London a visit, this season, when she proposed desiring you to call upon her, and instruct her as to the necessary forms to procure her pension, when she intended to have mentioned my Mother's case to you.
My mother and self are well known in New London & I will with much pleasure obtain an introductory letter to you, from any one of your friends residing there. Do me the favor to oblige me with a reply at the early convenience of the Department.
Yours Respectfully Ezra Douglas formerly of New London, County,

Papers & proofs in aid of the Petition of Lucy Doylop for foundation n

Brief in the case of Lucy Douglas, widow of Richard Douglas New London County and State of Connecticut. act 3 d February 1853.
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband of claimant is shown by the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut to have been a Lieutenant in the revolutionary army from January, 1 st 1777 to 22 d August 1780, and that he was appointed a Captain in the 5 th Regt. Connecticut line on the 22 d August 1780, and that he is found on the (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
rolls as such till the 31 st December 1781.
- He also certifies that there are no further rolls of said regiment. That he served till the end of the war is shown by his having received bounty land and commutation, as per records of this Office, and by the affidavits of Dr. H. P. Lee and Earl Douglas (certified to be credible witnesses) that during his life it was generally so reported, it was and so stated by revolutionary officers, and by himself.
Marriage proved by certified copy of Town records The claimant allowed full pay of a Captain of Infantry
Name and residence of Agent
Hiram Willey Esqr
New London
Connecticut
R. Sedgwick, Examining Clerk.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford Sept. 9 th 1853
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Richard Douglass , in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office, and find the name of Rich d Douglass on a Pay Roll under the heading following, "Settlement with the 1 st Connecticut Reg t Josiah Starr Esq. Colonel, before January 1 st 1780," when the said Richard Douglass is credited with service as a Lieutenant from Jan'y. 1 st 1777 to Jan'y 1 st 1780 = 3 years. In another settlement with Col. Starrs Regiment for "the year 1780," I also find the name of Richard Douglass , where he is credited with service as a Lieutenant from Jan'y 1 st 1780, to Aug. 22 nd 1780 = 7 months, 22 days, and also with service as a captain from Aug. 22 nd 1780 to Jan'y 1 st 1781 = 4 months & 8 days. I also find the service of Capt. Richard Douglass credited on a Pay Roll under the following heading, "Settlement with the 5 th Connecticut Regiment" "Isaac Sherman Esq. Colonel for the year 1781," when the said Douglass is credited with service as a captain from Jan'y 1 st 1781 to December 3 rd 1781 = 1 year.
The Pay Rolls in the Comptroller's Office

do not show the service of officers or soldiers who served in the Connecticut Line of the Con- tinental army later than the 1st of January A.D. 1782.
A. G. Pinney, Comptroller, by Geo. Robinson Clerk.

City and County New York ss
Ebenezer Douglas, of the City of New York, formerly of New London State of Connecticut being duly sworn doth depose and say That in the Spring of 1840 he had a conversation with Genl. Henry Rootes of New London, who was a Captain in the Revolutionary Army, who informed the deponent, that his Father Captain Richard Douglas of the fifth Connecticut Regiment of the Revolutionary Army, had his Company, drafted (with other Companies from other Regiments) into a Regiment of Light Infantry which was placed under the Command of the Marquis de Lafayette; That deponent's Father was at the battle of Bunker Hill & Yorktown and served during the entire war, until the disbanding of the Army, deponent has not a doubt of the same, such being the tradition of his family.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of September A.D. 1853 and I hereby certify that Earl Douglas is known to me to be a credible witness
Ebenezer Douglas
J. Pitt Notary Public New York

New London Sept 28 1833
Dear Waldo Esq. Comrs of Pensions
I forward the enclosed papers in aid of the petition of Mrs. Doyl. for a pension. I ard hope they may prove satisfactory on the point that he served to the end of the war and thus entitled prove her to be entitled to receive pay as the widow of Capt. Doyl. for his services as a capt.
Your Obedt Servt. Hiram Miller

War Department, Pike Auditor's Office Sir: August 27 th 1853.
I have received your letter of the 25 th Instant enclosing me the papers in the case of Richard Douglass, a captain in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army of the Revolutionary War, in which you request me to examine the Army Ledger and Journal, with a view to ascertain from the settlement of his accounts, the termination of his service. In reply I have to inform that the Ledger, &c. of this Office, were referred to on the 24 th Instant, at which time I addressed you a letter, in which I informed you that it did not "appear from the Books of this Office that he had any accounts to settle." I have now to inform you that

His name is not borne on the Ledger or Journal of this Office. — The papers are herewith returned. —
Respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. F. Bart. Columbia
Dear Mr. Waldo, Esq. Cincinnati of Tenness.?

War Department, Pike's Auditing Office,
August 24, 1853.
Sir:
I herewith return to you the papers in the case of Capt. Richard Douglass, of the Continental Line of the Continental Army of the Revolution, which you transmitted to me with a view that I might inform you as to the termination of his service if it could be ascertained from the settlement of his accounts, and how to state that it does not appear from the Books of this Office, that he had any accounts to settle. It is found however that he received a commutation of five years full pay as a captain in the Continental Army, in lieu of half pay for life, which of course establishes the fact that he served to the

ends of the war, in 1783. —
Very Respectfully, Your Ob. Servt. F. Burt Editor.
Loren P. Waldo, Esq. Commencement of Business. } 3

City and County of New York. ss }
Doct: Samuel H. P. Lee, of New London, Connecticut now of New York City aged 78. years, being sworn doth depose and say. That for a very long period of time, he was well acquainted with Captain Richard Douglas of the Revolutionary Army, deceased; that he has often heard him speak of his services during the Revolutionary War; and has a very distinct recollection of having heard Capt. Douglas say time and again, that he was at the Battle of Bunker Hill, at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and that he served during the entire war.
Deponent further say that the following named Officers of the Revolutionary Army, residents of New London Conn. and now deceased, Companions in Arms of said Capt. R. Douglas.
Brig. Genl. Sedediah Huntington
Major. Wm. Richards.
Capt. Henry Burbeck, afterwards a Brigadier Genl. in the U.S. Army.
Were personally known to him, and he has often heard them speak of Captain Richard Douglas having served during the entire War, from the Battle of Bunker Hill to the general disbanding of the army after peace, and the deponent has not a shadow of doubt of the same.
Sam d H. P. Lee M.D.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 10th day of September A.D. 1853. and I hereby certify that Doctor Samuel H. P. Lee is known to me to be a credible witness
L. Pitkin Notary Public New York -

Copy to Douglass Petition
March 6. 1840

To the Honourable the Members of the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled.
THE undersigned, aged and infirm, the widow of an officer of the Revolutionary Army, humbly petitions your honourable body to extend relief to the remaining widows of the officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution.
Your petitioner was married to her deceased husband Richard Douglas, Esq. captain of the fifth Connecticut Regiment, on the 2d day of September, 1804. He died March 1st, 1816, leaving your petitioner poor, with three small children. It has pleased Heaven to spare their lives, and by the assistance of Divine Providence, she has been enabled to rear her children to be respectable members of the community.
The husband of your petitioner was a member of Captain William Coit's volunteer company of New London, Connecticut, which proceeded to Boston immediately after the outbreak at Lexington, in April 1775. He had the honour to be one of the ten privates named in the following order to proceed to Charlestown the day previous to the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, which extract is taken from the original minute book of the company, now in the possession of your petitioner, viz.
GENERAL ORDERS, 17th June, 1775.
Parole—Deerfield.
Countersign—Conway.
Field-officer of the day to-morrow—Gerrish.
Field-officer of the picquet—Nightwood.
Field-officer of the main guard to-morrow—Fibergin.
REGIMENTAL ORDER, 17th June, 1775.
Captain Coit and ten privates must parade on the grand parade, 6 o'clock this afternoon, equipt with two days provisions ready dressed, and blankets, in order to march to the relief of the Connecticut troops at Charlestown. Per order General Putnam.
DANIEL TYLER, Adjutant.
He was in that battle, and served through the entire war, was in General Lee's regiment at the memorable retreat through New Jersey in the winter of 1779 and 80: was in the battles of Monmouth, Princeton, Trenton and Germantown, wintered with the main army at Valley Forge, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at York Town on the 19th of October, 1781. His commission as ensign bears date the 20th of June, 1776, that of lieutenant the 16th of March, 1779, and of captain in the fifth Connecticut regiment the 21st day of August, 1780. In 1781 his company was drafted into the light infantry, and with other companies formed a regiment under the immediate command of the Marquis De La Fayette; and the history of your petitioner's husband is that of the main army from the battle of Bunker Hill to the surrender of Cornwallis.
Congress in its wisdom has extended relief to all widows who were married previous to 1798; there cannot be many now living not embraced in that act; but there are a few left who were married subsequent to that period, a great proportion of whom without doubt are in circumstances more needy than your petitioner; and she would not ask that relief for her isolated case, which could not with propriety be extended to others, although she has claims which in the opinion of many justly entitle her to relief. She has heard her husband often speak of his right to a pension for life, for a wound received in the groin; but as often as he spoke of his wound, he has said his pride was such, he never would apply for the pension, as the kindness of Washington had placed him in a situation free from want.
He was appointed under General Washington's administration post master at New London, Connecticut, 30th December, 1797, which office he held until his decease in 1816. It afforded him a support; it was all he wanted. A descendant of the Plymouth pilgrims, he had assisted in the achievement of his country's independence, he had provided a home for his children, a land of liberty; his country was poor—his pride would not permit him to ask for the pension he was entitled to: and now after a lapse of near two-thirds of a century, his widow, who saw her father's house and store in flames by the infamous Arnold in 1781, lives to petition that the relief extended by your honourable bodies to others may be extended to herself, and the few remaining widows now living.
LUCY DOUGLAS,
Of New London, Connecticut, now of Philadelphia, widow of Captain Richard Douglas, of the Fifth Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Army.
March 6, 1840.

Copy
War Department Pension Office February 26. 1840
Sir
In reply to yours of 14. th instant addressed to the Secretary of War, I am to inform you that there is no authority or means in the Department to renew by duplicate a commission granted by the Continental Congress during the revolutionary war and previous to the establishment of the present Government. It appears by our records that Richards Douglass was appointed a Lieutenant in the 1 st regiment of the Connecticut Line, on 1 st Jany 1777, & promoted Captain on 22. August, 1780, upon the death of Captain Holme. The service of 1776 was limited to that year and his Ensigncy expired, of course, on 31 st December, 1776. This is all the information which the rolls afford. There is no probability that Congress will pass any law providing for the widows of revolutionary officers or soldiers who were married after the year 1793.
I am respectfully Your obt. servt. J. A. Edwards
C. Douglas 277. Market Street Philadelphia }

War Department 26 Feb 1840
J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
E. Douglas, Esquire, No. 277, Market Street, Philadelphia.

Sir,
Treasury Department 3 d - Auditors Office 19 th April 1836
In reply to your letter of the 16 th instant, I have to state, that it appears from the Revolutionary records on file in this office, that Captain Richard Douglas of the Connecticut Continental line, has received his commutation of Five years full pay in lieu of Half-pay for life -
I am very Respectfully Your most Ob.S.
Wm Hagner Aud
Earl Douglas Esq. Philadelphia Pennsylvania -

War Department, Pension Office,
February 26, 1840.
Sir,
In reply to yours of 14 th instant addressed to the Secretary of War, I am to inform you that there is no authority or means in this Department to renew by duplicate a commission granted by the Continental Congress during the revolutionary war and previous to the establishment of the present Government.
It appears by our records that Richard Douglass was appointed a Lieutenant in the 1 st regiment of the Connecticut Line, on 1 Jan y 1777, & promoted Captain on 22 d August, 1780, upon the death of Captain Holmes. The service of 1776 was limited to that year and his Ensigncy expired, of course, on 31 st December, 1776. This is all the information which the rolls afford.
There is no probability that Congress will pass any law providing for the widows of revolutionary officers or soldiers who were married after the year 1793.
I am, respectfully,
your obt. serv t
J. L. Edwards
E. Douglas, Esq.
277, Market Street,
Philadelphia.
3 3 3

Application of Lucy Douglass widow of Richard Douglass in person under act of 3 Feb 1833
Presented by Hiram Miller New London Ct

Earl Douglass of the City & County of New York. Son of Captain Richard Douglass, being duly sworn, doth depose and say the annexed papers are true and correct copies of the original Commissions of his deceased Father, Captain Richard Douglass of New London Connecticut & of the 5 th Connecticut Regiment of the army of the United States, which Commissions are now in the possession of his Mother Lucy Douglass widow of said Captain Richard Douglass and now an applicant for a pension under the second section of the act of 3 rd February 1853
Earl Douglass
State of Connecticut County & City of New London
On this ninth day of August A.D. 1853 personally appeared Earl Douglass subscribing to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me a Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut.
Witness my hand and official seal
Robert Coit Jr. Notary Public

Jonathan Trumbull Esq r Captain General and Commander in Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New England in America, To Richard Douglass Greeting.
You being by the General Assembly of this Colony, ap- -pointed to be Ensign of a Company now ordered to be raised in this Colony and to join the Continental Army, Reposing Especial trust and Confidence in your fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do by virtue of the laws, of this Colony, me thereunto Enabling, appoint and empower you, the said Richard Douglass to be Ensign of said Company, you are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Ensign, in leading, ordering, and Exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior officers and Soldiers, in the service aforesaid and to keep them in good order and discipline, hereby Commanding them to obey you as their Ensign, and yourself to observe and follow such orders and instructions, as you shall from time to time receive from me, or the Commander in Chief of said Colony, for the time being, or other your Superior Officers, according to the Rules and discipline of war, ordained and Established by the Continental Congress pursuant to the trust hereby reposed in you
Given under my Hand and the public Seal of said Colony at Hartford the 20 th day of June Anno Domini 1776
By his Honors Command George Wyllys Sec ry
Gov. Trumbull

The United States of America In Congress Assembled
To Richard Douglass, Gentleman, Greeting, We reposing especial trust and Confidence in your Patriotism Valour, Conduct and Fidelity. Do by these presents Constitute and appoint You to be a Lieutenant in the first Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 1 st day of January A D 1778 : You are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant, by doing and performing all manner of things thereinunto belonging, and we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command to be obedient to your orders as Lieutenant. And You are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as You shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, A Committee of the States, or Comman- der in Chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in You. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and Examined by the Board Attest.
I Scull Secretary of the Board of War.
Witness his Excellency, John Jay Esquire, President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 16 th day of March 1779 and in the third year of our Independence. John Jay

The United States of America in Congress assembled
To Richard Douglas Esquire Greeting, We Reposing especial trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct and Fidelity, Do by these presents Constituate and appoint You to be a Captain in the fifth Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 22 d day of August 1780: You are therefore Carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereinunto belonging, And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command to be obedient to your orders as Captain, and you are to Observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as You shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, or a Committee of the States, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer according to the Rules and Discipline of War in pursuance of the trust reposed in you.
This Commission to Continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and Examined by the Board Attest.
+ Secretary of the Board of War.
Witness his Excellency Thomas Mc + President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the + day of October 1780 and in the + Year of our Independence Signed
+ where the words are left out, they are worn out & defaced on the original Commission

The the undersigned residents of the Town and County of New London in the State of Connecticut being duly sworn according to law before and say that we were each of us personally well acquainted with Captain Richard Douglass 2d. late of New London deceased and who intermarried with Mrs. Lucy Palmer of said New London as appear by the marriage certificate hereto annexed. We verily believe that the said Richard Douglass 2d. is the same person named in the copies of the Commission attached hereto and we verily believe that he served as a Captain in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War between this Country and Great Britain and we know that the said Lucy Douglass who now applies for a pension under the 2d. section of the Act of Congress passed the 2d. day of February 1853 is the same person mentioned in the Certificate hereto annexed and that she is the widow of the said Richard Douglass deceased.
Elmer Trumbull
Jonathan Coit.
State of Connecticut
New London Town & County } 3
On this Fourteenth day of August A.D. 1853 personally appeared Elmer Trumbull and Jonathan Coit subscribers to the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me a Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut. Witness my hand and Official Seal Robert Coit, Notary Public

Record of Marriages by Henry Channing 1804 Sept e 2 nd Richard Douglas & Lucy Holmes New London,
I Abel McLean Pastor of the first Congregational Church of New London Conn e do Solemnly Swear that the before Extract of marriage between Richard Douglas & Lucy Holmes is a true Extract from the records of said Church, and further the said named Richard Douglas was to me personally known and I verily believe him to have served in the Revolutionary Army and to be the same person named in the Copies of Commissions herunto attached and further that Lucy Douglas now applying for a pension under the 2 nd Section of an Act of Congress of 3 rd February 1833 is personally known by me to be the same person named in the said record of marriage and is now the Widow of the said Richard Douglas & —
Interlineation of words, "above" and "I verily believe him" made before signing about 1833 by Henry Channing Abel McLean
State of Connecticut
County & City of New London August 9 th , 1852 } 3
Personally appeared Abel Mc. Elected subscribe to the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me the subscriber a Notary Public in and for the State of Connecticut.
Attest my hand and official seal
Robert Lovitt Jr. Notary Public